Our baby is born to an HIV+ mother who followed all prevention precautions throughout a major part of her pregnancy and gave birth by C-section. The AZT treatment protocol was followed for both mom and child during and after birth. PCR testing of the infant abour 4 days after birth brought back negative results. Should the baby be maintained on AZT to completely make sure she is not infected or can we take these results to as good enough of a basis to stop AZT treatment. I am concerned about any unkown long-tterm effects of AZT on the growing child and if there is no need to continue treatment I would like to have it stopped.

Response from Dr. Lee

Most doctors follow protocols of maintaining the infant on AZT until a test on the baby at several weeks is negative. Although there is always "unknown" risks of any treatment, AZT has been used in literally thousands of children for almost twenty years without any big surprise long-term effects showing up. Remember why the baby is on the medicine- to prevent a lifetime of illness. Don't push to stop too soon. Stick with the doctor's recommendations. Be well.

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